Jaire Alexander, the Green Bay Packers’ cornerback, had a forgettable 2023 season. After being named Second Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl pick in 2022, the Packers’ great cornerback had one of his poorest professional seasons last year. Of course, he was plagued by injuries for the majority of the season (he was limited to seven games), but there were other factors that hampered his season.
As fans may recall, Alexander went viral on social media multiple times last year for his unique interviews. While many fans attributed them to his distinct personality, others suspected the talented cornerback was unhappy. When Alexander received a ban from the Packers for his coin tossing theatrics against the Carolina Panthers, many people predicted that Green Bay and Alexander would split ways after this season.
Of course, neither Alexander nor the Packers’ coaches or front staff indicated that either party was interested in parting ways. Still, speculation persisted. However, one big alteration made during the offseason appears to have reawakened the Alexander of 2022, the cornerback who signed one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history. The Green Bay Packers fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry and hired Boston College’s head coach, Jeff Hafley.
To the delight of many Packers supporters, head coach Matt LaFleur decided to remove defensive coordinator Joe Barry after three unsuccessful seasons. For months, reports of a feud in the locker room between Barry and some of the players circulated among the fans. This just lowered Barry’s popularity among supporters. After Barry was fired, LaFleur decided to appoint Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as his new defensive coordinator. Hafley, a former defensive backs coach who has worked with players such as Richard Sherman, is bringing a far more aggressive approach to Green Bay.
Alexander appears to be fully committed to the new defensive coaching staff. Green Bay Packers’ defensive coaches have high praise for Jaire. Last week, Packers position coaches addressed the media for the first time this summer. According to Paul Bretl of ESPN La Crosse, new passing game coordinator Derek Ansley (who was the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator previous season) offered high regard for Alexander:
“I can’t really touch on what happened last year and in the past,” said passing game coordinator Derek Ansley, “but when I’ve gotten here and Haf’s gotten here, we’ve only seen his best. He was in here two or three weeks before we began Phase 1, working with the strength instructors and getting ahead. A phenomenal attitude. “He’s been here every day during Phase 2. He’s leading the group correctly. He is breaking down the groups. I have a lot of energy every morning. He’s remained the same person, which has made working with him a pleasure. We are proud of that. We don’t take it for granted, and we have high expectations for him since he has so much to offer.”
Last year, Alexander skipped town as the optional part of summer exercises began so he could prepare for the season independently. Clearly, things are different this year.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Jaire Alexander News To say fans were pleased to learn about Alexander’s fresh attitude would be an understatement. They took to social media to say this, and to highlight how much Barry may have influenced things:
If Alexander can remain healthy and buys into the new defense, this may be a really successful year for him and that side of the ball in general.
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